Fudgy Brownie Cake with Chocolate Frosting and Ganache Recipe

If you are craving something deeply chocolatey that satisfies every dessert lover’s dreams, this Fudgy Brownie Cake with Chocolate Frosting and Ganache Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine layers of rich, moist, fudge-like brownie cake, perfectly complemented by a creamy chocolate frosting and finished with a luscious, glossy ganache. This cake is not only a showstopper for special occasions but also an irresistible treat to enjoy any day, delivering a dense, chocolate-packed experience that melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting just one more bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to crafting this remarkable Fudgy Brownie Cake with Chocolate Frosting and Ganache Recipe. Each one plays an essential role — from the butter that enriches the texture to the cocoa powder that gives it that deep chocolate color and flavor.

• Unsalted butter (1 1/2 cups / 330g): Provides a rich, creamy base and enhances the fudgy texture of the cake batter.
• Semisweet chocolate, chopped (4 oz): Melts into the batter for intense chocolate depth.
• Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups / 300g): Sweetens the cake evenly and balances bitterness from the cocoa.
• Light brown sugar, packed (1 cup / 200g): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone.
• Large eggs (7, room temperature): Bind ingredients and add richness and structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the chocolate flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
• All-purpose flour (1 cup / 128g): Provides structure while keeping the brownie tender and fudgy.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 cup / 100g): Offers eye-catching, deep chocolate color and a robust chocolate taste.
• Salt (1 tsp): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavors beautifully.
• Unsalted butter, room temperature (1 cup / 220g) for frosting: Ensures creamy, spreadable frosting.
• Full-fat cream cheese (4 oz, room temperature): Adds tangy silkiness to the chocolate frosting.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/2 cup / 50g) for frosting: Gives a deep chocolate punch and dark color to the frosting.
• Powdered sugar (4 cups / 480g): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brightens the frosting with delicate vanilla notes.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances and balances the frosting’s sweetness.
• Semisweet chocolate, chopped (4 oz) for ganache: Forms the rich, glossy top layer for extra chocolate luxury.
• Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Creates a smooth, silky ganache when combined with chocolate.

How to Make Fudgy Brownie Cake with Chocolate Frosting and Ganache Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Bake Pans and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and prepping your cake pans — either three 6-inch or three 8-inch rounds. Precise prep is critical here: coat the insides with nonstick spray, then line the bottom and sides thoroughly with parchment paper. This little extra effort ensures your fudgy brownie cake layers come out cleanly without a fight, preserving every decadent crumb.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate

In a heatproof bowl, melt your butter and the chopped semisweet chocolate together in the microwave using 30-second intervals. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully melted, then set aside to cool slightly. This step infuses the batter with deep chocolate goodness and velvety texture.

Step 3: Sift Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine and sift your flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Sifting is key to avoid any lumps and ensures a silky batter that bakes evenly without graininess.

Step 4: Mix Sugars, Eggs, and Vanilla

In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture lightens and becomes bubbly. This step adds air to the batter, giving the cake a slight lift while still keeping that precious fudgy center.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly drizzle the cooled butter and chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously. Then gently fold in your sifted dry ingredients until everything comes together into a smooth, shiny batter — careful not to overmix, as that could toughen the texture.

Step 6: Bake Your Brownie Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans. Bake 6-inch pans for 35 to 40 minutes and 8-inch pans for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when it’s puffed and cracked on top, and a toothpick inserted in the cracks comes out with moist but not wet batter. Let the cakes cool in their pans before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Chocolate Frosting

Using a stand or hand mixer, beat together the room temperature butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add cocoa powder, then gradually mix in powdered sugar one cup at a time. Finish with vanilla and a pinch of salt, adjusting consistency with milk if necessary. This frosting is rich, silky, and the perfect complement to the dense brownie cake.

Step 8: Assemble and Chill the Cake

Spread a thick layer of frosting between each brownie cake layer. Chill the stacked layers briefly to set the frosting center before covering the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Smoothing the sides and top creates that gorgeous finish every chocolate lover dreams of.

Step 9: Create and Pour the Ganache

Heat the heavy cream until steaming and pour it over the chopped semisweet chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for 30 seconds, then whisk vigorously until smooth and glossy. Cool slightly, then pour the ganache over the cake’s center, gently pushing it toward the edges to create beautiful drips down the sides. For a final wow factor, sprinkle small brownie pieces on top or leave it elegantly ganached.

How to Serve Fudgy Brownie Cake with Chocolate Frosting and Ganache Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate your Fudgy Brownie Cake with Chocolate Frosting and Ganache Recipe by adding garnishes like fresh berries, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a contrast to the sweetness, or even candied nuts for some crunch. These touches not only enhance the flavors but also add a wonderful texture that makes every bite exciting.

Side Dishes

Serve this indulgent cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream to balance the richness. For coffee or tea lovers, a strong espresso or robust black tea complements the deep chocolate layers wonderfully and rounds out the dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try presenting the cake on a rustic wooden board with rustic parchment underlay for a cozy vibe or on a sleek glass platter for elegant dinner parties. You can also slice it into smaller bite-sized squares for a party platter or serve it with drizzles of caramel or raspberry sauce to wow your guests visually and flavor-wise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Fudgy Brownie Cake with Chocolate Frosting and Ganache Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped or covered, for up to 4 days. The flavors meld together further as it sits, making each slice even more luscious.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers separately wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then assemble and frost fresh to maintain that signature fudgy texture and creamy frosting perfection.

Reheating

To enjoy chilled cake at room temperature, simply let slices sit out for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as the frosting and ganache may lose their consistency, but if you must, heat gently in short bursts and watch carefully.

FAQs

What makes this brownie cake fudgy and not cakey?

This recipe uses more butter and eggs compared to flour, along with melted chocolate which adds to the fudgy, dense texture, rather than a light, airy cakey crumb.

Can I use a different type of chocolate for the cake and ganache?

Absolutely! Semisweet chocolate is ideal for balanced sweetness, but you can experiment with bittersweet or milk chocolate depending on how rich or sweet you want your cake and ganache.

Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the frosting?

Cream cheese adds a lovely tang and creaminess that balances the sweetness of the frosting, but you could substitute with all butter for a classic chocolate buttercream if preferred.

How do I know when the brownie cake layers are done baking?

Look for deep cracks and puffed centers, and use a toothpick test in the cracks. It should come out with moist but not wet batter streaks, ensuring the fudgy center is perfectly baked.

Can I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?

For vegan or gluten-free versions, you’d need to substitute eggs, butter, and flour with appropriate alternatives. While possible, it will change the texture and flavor, so further recipe adjustments might be necessary.

Final Thoughts

This Fudgy Brownie Cake with Chocolate Frosting and Ganache Recipe is a treasure for anyone who loves chocolate in all its glory. It’s rich, bold, and irresistibly moist — a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for celebrations or simply indulging yourself. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that magical moment when the creamy frosting meets the fudgy cake and glossy ganache in every luxurious bite!

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